We Are Woman National Rally for Women’s Rights Scheduled for August 18, 2012

Washington, D.C. - In less than a week, a grassroots organization called We Are Woman will bring thousands of women, men, and children from across the United States to Washington for a national rally in support of women’s rights, illustrating the power of women and their allies to fight back against what can only be described as a national war on women. The rally will take place on the West Lawn of the Capitol from 11am-4pm.

Where Will You Be?

Beginning with just a few like-minded individuals, We Are Woman has grown in strength and number to receive support and participation from Planned Parenthood, as well as endorsements from NOW, Feminist Majority, the American Association of University Women, CODEPINK, the National Council of Women’s Organizations and its ERA Task Force, the National ERA Alliance, Rock the Slut Vote, the Rainbow Push Coalition-Florida, Moms Rising, and many other groups and individuals. The organization’s most recent endorsement comes from the Coalition of Labor Union Women.

The list of prominent speakers recently expanded to include Bonnie Grabenhofer, the Executive Vice President of NOW and Laura Meyers, CEO of Planned Parenthood in Washington D.C. Previously confirmed speakers include Mara Keisling of the National Center for Transgender Equality, Virginia’s 7th district congressional candidate Wayne Powell, Sandy Oestreich of the National ERA Alliance, and Virginia Senator George Barker. Roberta Francis of the ERA Task Force will be speaking with Bettina Hager of the National Women’s Political Caucus. Musical performances and comedy will round out the event, and additional artists and activists are signing on daily.

We Are Women’s co-founders met online earlier this year, bonding over shared disgust with the political establishment and the mistreatment of women by congressional representatives, state legislators, governors, and political pundits. Inspired by Erin Nanasi’s viral video, “We Are Warriors,” they began organizing immediately.

They explain, “This rally is our way of standing up to say, ‘No more!’ to the war on women. We are strong, powerful, loving, and brave. We are America. We are Woman.”

The rally will center around three prominent themes which include reproductive rights, equal pay, and the necessity of the Equal Rights Amendment to secure these freedoms for women now and in the future. Speakers from all walks of life will be providing education regarding current and proposed policies that disproportionately, negatively affect women. Informed voting is expected to be a hot topic given November’s critical presidential and congressional elections.

What started as a few women with an idea has quickly turned into a national movement. The co-founders have released a statement saying, “We will be heard. On August 18, we will stand together and tell the world that American women are a political force to be reckoned with.”

They add, “Come join us, if not for yourself, then for your mother, or your sister, or your daughter. For the future.”